Morning Breath: Prevention, Treatment & Tips

Morning breath is a form of bad breath, known medically as halitosis. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it happens to around 50% of adults at some point, so you’re far from alone! Before we discuss how to prevent morning breath, let’s look at the causes in more detail.

• Food. After you eat, the bacteria in your mouth break down and feed on the little particles of food debris left behind. When they do so, they produce compounds that can be rather pungent. So if you don’t brush and floss thoroughly before bed, you might wake up to the aftermath of this bacterial feast! In addition, strong foods like garlic, onions and spices enter the bloodstream once digested. Those chemicals are then carried to your lungs, so you are literally exhaling those stinky odors, especially if you eat these foods late at night before going to sleep
• Dry mouth. According to the ADA, dry mouth can contribute to bad morning breath. During the day, saliva helps rid the mouth of bacteria. But when you're asleep, the production of saliva decreases, so your mouth becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth decreases saliva production. Breathing through your mouth or snoring also increases dry mouth, contributing to the foul smell.
• Neglecting oral care. In addition to removing those pesky food particles with proper brushing and flossing, disregarding good oral care can lead to periodontal disease, a common cause of bad breath.
• Tobacco. In addition to the general unpleasant odor of smoker’s breath, tobacco can contribute to morning breath by increasing your risk of dry mouth, gum disease and oral infection.
• Medications. Dry mouth is a side effect of many commonly prescribed medications, which can contribute to morning breath.

The good news is that you can take preventive measures before you go to bed. Try these tips on how to prevent morning breath:

• Stay hydrated. Drink water before going to sleep at night, and keep a bottle on your nightstand in case you wake up thirsty.
• You are what you eat. Avoid strong-smelling foods and drinks like garlic, onions, black tea or coffee before bed.
• Butt out. Quitting tobacco use can improve your overall health in many ways, in addition to keeping your mouth from smelling foul in the morning.

If you do find your mouth is a bit on the stinky side when you wake up, brushing your teeth should be the first line of defense. You can also banish morning breath by: 

• Flossing between your teeth to get rid of any food debris and bacteria your toothbrush can’t reach. 
• Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash. This keeps your gums healthy, protects against gingivitis, and can prevent bad breath.
• Bacteria can hide out on the surface of your tongue, so give it a quick cleaning with a tongue scraper before bed and in the morning.
  

Morning breath is never pleasant to wake up with, but bad breath doesn't have to be a way of life at any time of the day. The key to preventing morning breath starts with focusing on your oral health. That means brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing to reach those places the toothbrush doesn't, and making sure you clean your tongue as well. And don't forget to schedule regular check-ups with your dentist or hygienist every six months. They can help you improve and maintain your oral health with a professional cleaning, and can give you advice on how to keep your breath fresh all day long.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.